Places to stay near Drake University

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 178 reviews

An open living area features a sectional couch facing a coffee table on a patterned rug. Large windows allow natural light to fill the space, highlighting the exposed brick walls and greenery. A dedicated workspace is situated in the corner, enhancing functionality.

Apartment in Des Moines

Downtown Loft Skyline View 2BR

Welcome to Downtown Des Moines! The perfect centrally located 2 bedroom 2 bathroom Loft condo in the middle of it all! Walk to nightlife, shopping, restaurantes and entertainment. > Cozy and Convenient - the best location downtown! > 24/7 Fitness center > City view rooftop courtyard and dog park > Direct access to skywalk system > 1x King & 1x Queen Bed > Smart TV's in bedroom & living space > Dedicated work space > High speed Wifi > Fully Equipped Kitchen > In unit free Laundry > Pet Friendly!

A vibrant living room features a curvy orange couch, complementing a playful area rug with geometric patterns. A glass window allows natural light to illuminate the space, highlighting the eclectic decor on a nearby shelf. Seating includes a striped chair and a coffee table.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 266 reviews

MidCentury, technicolor Ranch w/yard, w+d, parking

- Ranch home in Des Moines' friendly Beaverdale neighborhood - Steps from grocery store, ice cream shop+dining - Blocks to more dining+shops - Less than 5 minutes from Drake University - Around 10 minutes from downtown, Des Moines, Arts Center, parks - Easy access within 15 minutes to suburbs - 1000+ feet with open living, dining and kitchen, 2 beds, 1 bath, laundry and on-site parking - Outdoor front porch, back patio+fire pit - Perfect for a family or two couples ***Send your special requests!

A dining area features a large wooden table with seating for twelve. Adjacent is a cozy living space equipped with comfortable sofas, two large smart TVs, and an arcade game. An outdoor area includes a fire pit and hot tub surrounded by wooden seating.

5 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

The Hay Loft: Hot Tub • Game Room • Fire Pit • BBQ

Centrally located to Downtown Des Moines, sits our fully remodeled, 5 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home that can sleep 14 guests. The Hay Loft offers privacy for your large group, yet it's also close to everything that Des Moines has to offer! Our amenities include: spacious hot tub, fire-pit, grill, office space and a fully stocked kitchen. Fiber internet/WiFi + smart TVs in every room. Just a couple of blocks from Drake College, and within three miles of the Iowa Event Center and Casey's Center

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 126 reviews

A spacious living area features large windows, offering expansive views of the skyline. Modern furnishings include a cozy couch, two accent chairs, and a coffee table. A sleek electric fireplace is positioned beneath a wall-mounted TV, enhancing the contemporary design of the space.

Townhouse in Des Moines

This is the best Des Moines has to offer!

Welcome to a beautiful 3 story townhome in the heart of Des Moines. If an upscale modern home with an incredible view is your thing, you will be in heaven. Inside you’ll find a clean, bright and well decorated home with all the amenities you'll need to kick back, relax and enjoy your stay. Minutes from shopping, dining and nightlife. The bike trail is across the street where you can ride to Gray’s Lake or stroll to downtown DSM and enjoy the Farmer's Market, Civic Center and Principal Park.

A welcoming entrance features an orange door adorned with a panel of glass. The 'Welcome' sign is prominently displayed on one side, while a 'Bed & Breakfast' sign decorates the other. A doormat lies at the entrance, enhancing the inviting atmosphere.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 217 reviews

Gateway House

Our 100% SMOKE-FREE Gateway House is nestled just west of beautiful Downtown Des Moines. I-235 is 90 seconds away, putting you downtown in 5 minutes, and anywhere else in 15 minutes! Ingersoll Avenue, home to dozens of locally owned restaurants and bars, is a 2–3-minute drive and a 5-10-minute walk. Our charming bungalow has everything you need to function! We proudly display artwork that accents the culture our city has to offer, and you will feel relaxed indoors and out during your stay.

Superhost

A contemporary tiny house exterior is showcased, featuring a wooden facade and a garage below. A private deck rests atop, surrounded by greenery. Large windows allow natural light, while the entrance is framed by two sleek doors, blending modern aesthetics with a welcoming appeal.

Tiny home in Des Moines

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 181 reviews

Des Moines' coolest Tiny Home! +Deck/garage

Kick back and enjoy this calm, stylish tiny house. In an awesome location near downtown, it's the perfect place for a memorable stay in Des Moines! (Fall 2025*, please note there is an active new construction project next door- which shouldn't effect your peace or experience.) You can easily walk to great bars, restaurants, grocery, etc. Peaceful and large deck to relax and unwind.. Convenient garage parking included! *Large trucks may not fit fully in garage. Tiny house experience! 🛖

The living space features a modern gray sectional sofa complemented by a green armchair. A coffee table rests on a patterned rug. Two floral artworks adorn the wall, while warm lighting is provided by standing lamps. Natural light enters through multiple windows.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 344 reviews

Cozy Historic Escape

This comfortable bungalow is stylish with historic charm. The front porch is perfect for morning coffee. The main living space has original hardwood floors and classic brick fireplace with craftsman style built-ins. The house also has fenced in backyard with patio for enjoying temperate days. It is centrally and conveniently located close to Des Moines Playhouse, ~6 minutes from Casey’s Center and Downtown Des Moines, ~13 minutes to Jordan Creek Town Center, and ~15 minutes to DSM Airport.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 308 reviews

Barn in Des Moines

“The Miles Barn” Gorgeous Industrial Loft

Welcome to our beautiful open concept industrial loft. Upon entering our cozy abode, you'll find a clean, bright, well decorated home with many great amenities where you can kick back, relax and enjoy your stay. If high ceilings and beautiful polished concrete floors are your thing, you will be in heaven. Steel railings give it a true industrial feel. Everything needed for your stay is well thought out and ready to be used. We hope you love our loft as much as we do! ***Pet Fee is $125***

A warm living area features a brown leather sofa with decorative blue pillows, positioned next to a round coffee table on a soft area rug. A blue armchair complements the seating arrangement, and natural light enters through nearby windows. Archways lead into the adjoining rooms.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 216 reviews

Peaceful Setting & Modern Style

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to your own private oasis with this charming 2 Bedroom Airbnb. The house provides present-day amenities while still honoring the original 1930s character. You’ll enjoy a new and sparkling clean kitchen, complete with all the appliances and utensils you need. The bathroom, laundry, dining room, reading nook and living room have all been beautifully updated as well, ensuring that you'll feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

The exterior of the duplex features a welcoming porch with multiple seating areas, surrounded by a spacious lawn. The house showcases a combination of red and green siding, with a steep roofline and large windows that invite natural light.

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 110 reviews

The Carol Anne-Charming 2bd/2ba Victorian near DT!

This Victorian-era duplex is the perfect mix of Victorian and modern for all the comforts of home. Perfect for quick or extended trips. Location can't be beat: Walking distance to Drake University. Minutes by car to downtown, hospitals, Ingersoll district and proximity to I-235 gets you anywhere in the city. Off street parking/electronic locks make check-in a easy. 2 large bedrooms w/queen beds, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, closets, and more making it ideal for multiple guests!

A spacious living area features a round marble coffee table at its center, surrounded by various seating options. A pendant light hangs from the ceiling, while a staircase is visible in the background. Natural light enhances the warmth of the wooden flooring.

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 130 reviews

Winter Stay by Ingersoll Ave & Drake Univ

Cozy, winter-ready home one block from Ingersoll Ave and minutes from Drake University. Enjoy fast Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, comfortable beds, and a fully equipped kitchen for warm nights in. Walk to Ingersoll’s restaurants and coffee shops, with easy access to Downtown DSM and Drake. Self check-in and easy parking make this ideal for remote workers, business travelers, families, and extended winter stays. ✨ Weekly and monthly winter discounts available.

A balcony view reveals a vibrant sunset casting shades of pink and orange across the sky. Silhouetted trees frame the scene, with distant buildings emerging in the background. A round glass table with colorful cushions offers a place to enjoy the view.